Death of pensioner beaten in raid

A Dublin pensioner who was attacked during a robbery at the bakery where he worked has died after slipping into a coma days after the attack.

Jimmy Louth (66), from Cabra, had been in a coma for nine weeks after he was attacked by raiders in the course of a robbery on July 3rd at Clarke's bakery, New Cabra Road, Dublin.

Mr Louth was scheduled for a day off but had gone into work at 3.30am to help colleagues with early-morning deliveries.

Three raiders were waiting in a laneway at the back of the premises when Mr Louth and another man arrived to begin the shift.

They were both tied up, and Mr Louth was hit over the head with a broom handle.

The three-man gang then left the premises with an undisclosed sum of money.

Mr Louth and his colleague were discovered two hours later after a third worker came on duty.

Both of the men were taken to hospital, and after check-ups were released because they were not believed to have any serious injuries.

Mr Louth, who had worked at Clarke's bakery for 20 years, was able to return to work after the attack but fell ill several days later.

He slipped into a coma from which he never emerged. He died at the Mater hospital just after noon on Monday.

Gardaí investigating his death were last night awaiting the results of a postmortem.

Depending on its outcome the investigation may be upgraded to a murder inquiry.

It is believed Mr Louth may have developed a blood clot that affected his brain.

The investigation into his death is being carried out by gardaí at Bridewell Garda station.

They believe a number of people were in the vicinity of the bakery around the time of the attack.

They have appealed to the driver of a silver coloured car driving past the premises at around 3.30am on the morning in question to contact them.

They also believe a couple were seen in a doorway on the opposite side of the New Cabra Road about the time the robbery was taking place on July 3rd.

They have appealed for them to come forward.

Gardaí have also appealed for any members of the public who believe they know the identity of the raiders to contact them.

Bridewell Garda station can be reached at 01-6668200.